Hyderabad, September 17, 2026: The 79th Hyderabad Liberation Day was commemorated with a grand ceremony at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on Thursday, marking the historic integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State with the Indian Union on September 17, 1948. Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the celebrations as the Chief Guest and paid tribute to the martyrs and patriots associated with the historic struggle. The event was organised by the Union Ministry of Culture.
The National Vice President of Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha and State President of Telangana, along with other veterans, also participated in the commemorative programme and paid their respects to the bravehearts who made sacrifices during the struggle. The presence of veterans and representatives of ex-servicemen organisations added a special dimension to the occasion, underlining the continuing importance of remembering those who contributed to the nation’s integration and security.
Earlier in the programme, Vice President Radhakrishnan visited the War Memorial at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, and laid a wreath in honour of the martyrs. He also received the Guard of Honour from the Central Armed Police Forces before witnessing the ceremonial proceedings. The Vice President later unfurled the National Flag and paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose role in the integration of princely states was central to the narrative of Hyderabad’s merger with the Indian Union.
Addressing the gathering, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan described September 17, 1948, as a decisive chapter in the history of independent India. He recalled that the erstwhile Hyderabad State was integrated into the Indian Union following the events of September 1948 and Operation Polo. Operation Polo commenced on September 13, 1948, and concluded on September 17 with the surrender of the Nizam’s forces.
The Vice President placed particular emphasis on the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said Patel, as India’s first Home Minister and Minister for States, carried an extraordinary responsibility in integrating hundreds of princely states at a time when the newly independent country was dealing with the aftermath of Partition and the enormous task of national consolidation. Radhakrishnan said Patel laid the foundation for a strong and unified “Ek Bharat.”
The Vice President also stressed that the significance of Hyderabad Liberation Day extends beyond the commemoration of a historical event. He said the story of Hyderabad reflects the challenges faced by a young nation in bringing together people living under different political circumstances and subsequently building a constitutional democracy based on equal rights, dignity and opportunity. He described national integration as an ongoing process rather than an event confined to the past.
Paying tribute to those who participated in the struggle, Shri Radhakrishnan recalled the sacrifices of students, intellectuals, writers, social workers, political activists, farmers and ordinary citizens. He specifically remembered freedom fighters and historical figures including Ramji Gond, Turrebaz Khan and Komaram Bheem, highlighting their courage and contribution to the broader story of Hyderabad’s liberation and integration.
The Vice President also acknowledged the role of the Central Armed Police Forces in the integration of princely states and in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity. He referred to their contribution in subsequent decades as well, including operations against Left-Wing Extremism in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and other affected regions.
The celebrations featured an impressive parade and March Past, along with cultural programmes depicting the struggle, valour and sacrifices associated with the liberation and integration of Hyderabad. A special exhibition also showcased the historical journey, sacrifices and events surrounding the integration of Hyderabad with the Indian Union.
The ceremony was attended by Telangana Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Malkajgiri MP Shri Etala Rajender, among other dignitaries. Senior officials of the Union government and security forces were also present.
The 79th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations brought together constitutional authorities, Union and state representatives, security personnel, veterans and citizens at the historic Parade Grounds in Secunderabad. The proceedings served as a reminder of the sacrifices associated with the integration of Hyderabad and of the larger nation-building process that followed independence.
For the veterans and members of ex-servicemen organisations present at the event, the wreath-laying ceremony at the Virula Sainik Smarak (War Memorial) carried particular significance. Their participation reaffirmed the enduring connection between remembrance of historical sacrifices and the continuing tradition of service to the nation.
The commemoration also provided an opportunity to reflect on the values of unity, national integration, constitutional democracy and public service. September 17 remains a significant date in the history of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, marking the culmination of a complex historical process through which the region became part of the Indian Union.
As Hyderabad marked 79 years since its integration with India, the ceremony at Secunderabad Parade Grounds combined solemn remembrance with a message for the future. The participation of national leaders, state dignitaries, armed and security forces, veterans and members of civil society underlined the continuing importance of preserving historical memory while carrying forward the responsibilities of nation-building.
The Hyderabad Liberation Day observance in 2026 therefore stood not merely as a ceremonial occasion, but as a public remembrance of the people and events that shaped a crucial chapter of independent India. It was an occasion to honour the martyrs, remember the freedom fighters and reaffirm the importance of unity and democratic values in the country’s continuing journey.